Understanding Pitching Mechanics in MLB The Show 25

MLB The Show 25 continues to MLB The Show 25 Stubs refine its pitching systems, offering multiple interfaces that cater to different playstyles and skill levels. Each pitching mode impacts your control, timing, and realism.

Pinpoint Pitching – The most precise but also the most demanding interface. It requires mimicking the motion of each pitch using your analog stick, rewarding perfect timing with pinpoint accuracy. This is the go-to option for advanced players seeking realism and total command.

Meter Pitching – A more traditional style that balances precision and ease of use. You start the pitch, stop the meter at the right spot for power, and then stop again for accuracy. Timing is everything here — mistime the release, and expect your fastball to miss the strike zone.

Pulse Pitching – A rhythm-based option that uses a pulsing circle to represent accuracy. Hit your release when the pulse is smallest for the best results. It’s simple but leaves more to chance compared to other methods.

Classic Pitching – Ideal for newcomers or players who prefer a relaxed experience. You simply select a pitch and aim, leaving the rest to your pitcher’s ratings. However, you sacrifice manual control and precision.

Pro Tip: For competitive play or Diamond Dynasty, Pinpoint Pitching reigns supreme. It gives you total control over pitch break, velocity, and location — critical in high-stakes matchups.

Mastering Pitch Selection and Strategy

Every great pitcher understands that success doesn’t come from throwing hard — it comes from throwing smart. Mixing pitch types, reading batters, and keeping them off balance are the pillars of elite pitching.

Establish Your Fastball Early
Your fastball sets the tone for every at-bat. Use it to get ahead in counts and to make your breaking pitches more deceptive later. Don’t always go for velocity; location matters most. High and inside fastballs can jam hitters, while low and away fastballs induce weak contact.

Work the Corners
Avoid throwing down the middle. The AI and human opponents alike punish mistakes in MLB The Show 25. Aim for the edges of the strike zone and use pitch tunneling — making different pitches look similar out of your hand — to force bad swings.

Use Off-Speed Pitches to Disrupt Timing
Changeups, sliders, and curveballs are your best tools for keeping batters off balance. A well-placed off-speed pitch after a high fastball can create devastating whiffs. Mix in pitches that break in opposite directions to add unpredictability.

Save Your Best Pitch for Key Moments
When facing power hitters or late-game jams, trust your go-to pitch. Most pitchers have one pitch with the best control and movement. Use it strategically when you need a strikeout or ground ball.

Pitcher Stamina and Confidence Management

Even with perfect mechanics, fatigue and confidence heavily influence performance. MLB The Show 25 simulates this more realistically than ever.

Stamina: As stamina drops, pitch velocity and control decrease. Long innings or high pitch counts can cause even elite starters to lose command. Warm up your bullpen early if your starter shows signs of fatigue.

Confidence: Success builds confidence — and confidence improves accuracy. After giving up hits or home runs, confidence drops, making pitches harder to control. Use mound visits and defensive plays to rebuild momentum.

Pro Tip: In Road to the Show, invest in buy MLB The Show 25 Stubs training sessions that boost Stamina and Control to reduce the effects of late-game fatigue.